Honasan backs passage of anti-dynasty law

Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan 2nd agrees that it is time to pass an anti-political dynasty law.

Honasan, who is running for Vice President under the opposition United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), made the stand during the vice presidential debates on Sunday.

“Hinay-hinay tayo dito sa dynasty. Unang una, hindi pa natin alam kung ano ang definition ng dynasty [Let us exercise caution here in the issue of dynasty. First of all, we still do not know what the definition of dynasty is]. It was certified as urgent in the time of President (Fidel) Ramos, it never got off the ground,” he said.

“Second, let’s not make hasty decisions. Find out if dynasties serve public interest or not, then we make a decision.”

Honasan attributed the sprouting of political dynasties to the lack of a functioning political party system.

“And if we need to confront the issue of charter change to rectify this, then so be it. Para plataporma ang pinag-uusapan, political parties na tumutugon talaga sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan [So that platforms will be discussed, as well as political parties that truly respond to the needs of the public],” he said.

Senator Francis Escudero meanwhile said that he is willing to vote in favor of a measure that will prohibit political dynasties but he will not participate in the crafting of the bill.

Escudero explained that it would not be proper for him to take part in the crafting of an anti-dynasty measure because he himself has relatives who are in politics.